France Honours Beatles Drummer Ringo Starr

Beatles drummer Ringo Starr has joined one of the art world’s most exclusive clubs after being appointed a Commander of France’s Order of Arts and Letters.

In Monaco where an exhibition featuring two of his paintings is taking place, the man who is considered one of the world’s best drummers was handed the award by France’s ambassador Hugues Moret.

Starr joins a club that already features Chinese film director Wong Kar Wai, Scottish actor Sean Connery, singer David Bowie and the late Irish poet Seamus Heaney.

The award ceremony took place in front of the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco, which is holding an exhibition that showcases the hidden passion for art of various famous people including Starr, Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan.

“I’m a drummer, but I can do other things. Like painting, living, breathing,” the 73-year-old quipped while posing for photos in front of the museum, which coincidentally has on display an old, bright yellow submarine.